Discussion point
02-20-2003, 06:35 PM
#17
Race Director
"but can somebody tell me if any upgraded engine could last some 60,000 miles without blowing/suffering from excessive wear?"
There are multiple factors here and the actual power load on the engine probably contributes the least. A bigger factor I think, is the <a href="http://www.nsxfiles.com/sears_point_2000.htm" target="_blank"> Go Fast Crack Syndrome</a>. With each upgrade, you have to make sure you've got proper air-fuel ratios and ignition curves. Even with changing the same configuration by just turning up the boost from 15 to 16psi, you have to re-check your air-fuel ratios. A lot of people just want to throw on parts and take off and THAT is the root cause of all the blown headgaskets and engines out there.
"Will you drive it in short bursts of 1000 horsepower or flat out for 100 miles thru the Nevada desert on a 120 degree day at 400 horsepower. "
Anyone remember that Ferrari Testarossa that crashed at the Silver State Classic a couple years ago? I think they just left it and it burnt to a molten puddle and that was it...
There are multiple factors here and the actual power load on the engine probably contributes the least. A bigger factor I think, is the <a href="http://www.nsxfiles.com/sears_point_2000.htm" target="_blank"> Go Fast Crack Syndrome</a>. With each upgrade, you have to make sure you've got proper air-fuel ratios and ignition curves. Even with changing the same configuration by just turning up the boost from 15 to 16psi, you have to re-check your air-fuel ratios. A lot of people just want to throw on parts and take off and THAT is the root cause of all the blown headgaskets and engines out there.
"Will you drive it in short bursts of 1000 horsepower or flat out for 100 miles thru the Nevada desert on a 120 degree day at 400 horsepower. "
Anyone remember that Ferrari Testarossa that crashed at the Silver State Classic a couple years ago? I think they just left it and it burnt to a molten puddle and that was it...
02-21-2003, 12:58 PM
#18
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What the well intended (and probably correct) tech was referring to was whether bolting on more band-aid type power was appropriate for his customer. The stuff is expensive as are the bills for the scored cylinders, blown head gaskets and burned pistons associated with same. Power =$$, not just in the acquisition of parts but also with the ongoing stresses on the engine. By the way, this tech knows that if you bump up the boost the car makes more vroom vroom. If only it were so easy to make safe reliable power. Dynos don't lie, but they also don't tell the whole story.
02-21-2003, 09:03 PM
#19
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RandiPierson,
I agree with you 100%
It is easy to bolt on power that will blow up sooner than later. And it is not so easy to make safe reliable power.
When Porsche wanted their cars to go faster they went to KKK (turbos) and Bosch (injectors, engine management) Etc, all technically bolt on stuff. With bolt on stuff (I know over simplification)they made their 924GTR get 450hp and run flat out for 24 hours at Le Mans.
Back to the original question, We can get bolt on stuff from turbonettics, Tial, Greddy, or Bosch that will all make power. That can not be disputed.
But as you say, the key is to do the job right. When modifications are made everything must be concidered. Experienced guys like Speedforce or Guru or Lindsey or Anderson, or Milledge, Etc. all can lead a customer down the proper path to long term horsepower heaven.
Or let you know when you are creating a mobile hand grenade.
I agree with you 100%
It is easy to bolt on power that will blow up sooner than later. And it is not so easy to make safe reliable power.
When Porsche wanted their cars to go faster they went to KKK (turbos) and Bosch (injectors, engine management) Etc, all technically bolt on stuff. With bolt on stuff (I know over simplification)they made their 924GTR get 450hp and run flat out for 24 hours at Le Mans.
Back to the original question, We can get bolt on stuff from turbonettics, Tial, Greddy, or Bosch that will all make power. That can not be disputed.
But as you say, the key is to do the job right. When modifications are made everything must be concidered. Experienced guys like Speedforce or Guru or Lindsey or Anderson, or Milledge, Etc. all can lead a customer down the proper path to long term horsepower heaven.
Or let you know when you are creating a mobile hand grenade.
